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FORT KOCHI & SURROUNDING ATTRACTIONS

Ernakulam forms the modern commercial centre of Kochi, home to the city’s business districts,  residential areas, and shopping precincts. Willingdon Island developed around the Cochin Port and  remains central to the city’s maritime activity. Fort Kochi, where Koder House is located, is best known for its Chinese fishing nets and its layered Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences. Nearby  Mattancherry is associated with Jew Town, the Paradesi Synagogue, and the historic spice trade that  once defined the region.

FORT KOCHI & SURROUNDING ATTRACTIONS

HISTORIC LANDMARKS

Mattancherry Palace

MATTANCHERRY PALACE

Also known as the Dutch Palace, Mattancherry Palace was originally built by the Portuguese and later modified by the Dutch. The palace is known for its murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, as well as its collection of royal artefacts, costumes, and palanquins associated with the Kochi royal family.

KODER TIP: Make a visit in the late morning when the murals are best lit by natural light and the palace is quieter, allowing you to take in the details without distraction.
Paradesi Synagogue

PARADESI SYNAGOGUE

Located in the heart of Jew Town, the Paradesi Synagogue is among the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth. It features hand painted Chinese floor tiles, brass pulpit elements, and historic scrolls that reflect the long presence of the Jewish community in Cochin.

KODER TIP: Try to arrive earlier in the day and dress modestly. Photography is not permitted inside, so take time to look closely at the floor tiles and chandeliers, which are easy to miss at a glance.
St. Franca Basilica

ST. FRANCIS SANTA CRUZ BASILICA

Built by the Portuguese in the early 16th century, St. Franca Basilica is widely regarded as the oldest European church in India. The renowned explorer Vasco da Gama was originally buried here in Portugal.

KODER TIP: Even if you are short on time, briefly step inside. The understated interiors are worth viewing, as the gardens and heritage structures are visible from outside.
Paradesi Synagogue

PARADESI SYNAGOGUE

Located in the heart of Jew Town, the Paradesi Synagogue is among the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth. It features hand painted Chinese floor tiles, brass pulpit elements, and historic scrolls that reflect the long presence of the Jewish community in Cochin.

KODER TIP: Try to arrive earlier in the day and dress modestly. Photography is not permitted inside, so take time to look closely at the floor tiles and chandeliers, which are easy to miss at a glance.
Paradesi Synagogue

PARADESI SYNAGOGUE

Located in the heart of Jew Town, the Paradesi Synagogue is among the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth. It features hand painted Chinese floor tiles, brass pulpit elements, and historic scrolls that reflect the long presence of the Jewish community in Cochin.

KODER TIP: Try to arrive earlier in the day and dress modestly. Photography is not permitted inside, so take time to look closely at the floor tiles and chandeliers, which are easy to miss at a glance.
Mattancherry Palace

MATTANCHERRY PALACE

Also known as the Dutch Palace, Mattancherry Palace was originally built by the Portuguese and later modified by the Dutch. The palace is known for its murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, as well as its collection of royal artefacts, costumes, and palanquins associated with the Kochi royal family.

KODER TIP: Make a visit in the late morning when the murals are best lit by natural light and the palace is quieter, allowing you to take in the details without distraction.